Ford trips down memory lane - first GT40, now Capri

No sooner had Ford America confirmed it would built the GT40 for its 100th birthday next year than stories out of Europe began to talk about a 21st century version of the Capri.

A new-look Capri has not officially been confirmed, but rumours have it that the project is already under way.

The original GT40 was conceived after a fallout between Ford and Ferrari. It was unveiled in 1964 and went on to win four straight victories at Le Mans between 1966 and 1969. About 100 were built, each capable in race form of about 325km/h (202mph).

The new GT40, created by Ford's "Living Legends" studio, is more than 45cm (18in) longer and nearly 10cm (4in) taller.

The new Capri is expected to mirror the original's dimensions. It was inspired by the Mustang, launched in April 1964. Its sales succcess in America prompted Ford to look at a two-door for Britain and Europe. In 1965, Ford set up "Project Colt", a coupe with a similar feel to the Mustang. Early in 1966, a prototype received a favourable response from Ford bigwigs. In July 1966, Ford decided to go ahead, allocating £20 million ($66m) for development. It wanted to launch the new car in the second half of 1968. But late in 1967, after the final shape had been approved, Ford learned that Mitsubishi of Japan had registered the name Colt. It changed the name to Capri, after the Italian island. The first cars were powered by a choice of three engines, 1.3, 1.6 and 2-litres. The 1.3 engine came from the Mk I Escort, the 1.6 from the Cortina and the 2.0 from the Corsair.